Nigeria News (Standard)
BOA Launches Nationwide Roadmap to Modernise Agric Finance, Expand Grassroots Access
Bank unveils operational upgrades and partnerships to deliver single-digit loans, shield smallholder farmers from high interest rates
Bank unveils operational upgrades and partnerships to deliver single-digit loans, shield smallholder farmers from high interest rates
The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has unveiled a strategic roadmap to modernise agricultural finance and deepen financial inclusion for smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The announcement was made by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Sotinrin stated that the new roadmap includes major upgrades to BOA’s operations and fresh high-level partnerships aimed at optimising the delivery of government-backed agricultural intervention programmes. According to him, these steps will empower more rural farmers by expanding access to affordable finance at the grassroots level.
He explained that as Nigeria’s apex agricultural development finance institution, BOA is charged with safeguarding and deploying subsidised government funds. Through provision of single-digit interest loans, Sotinrin said, the bank is helping shield smallholder farmers from commercial lending rates that often drive up production costs. “We are committed to ensuring our intervention programmes reach every corner of the country and truly benefit those at the base of the pyramid,” he said.
To scale its impact further, Sotinrin revealed that BOA is actively building collaborations with state-level delivery platforms. He noted that these partnerships are designed to streamline loan disbursement and technical support, making it easier for smallholder farmers—who make up the bulk of Nigeria’s agriculture sector—to access much-needed capital.
Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have welcomed the BOA initiative, describing it as timely given rising food inflation and persistent challenges faced by rural producers. Many experts argue that lower interest rates for farmers could boost local production, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve food security nationwide.
The bank says it will continue to refine its strategy in line with government priorities on food security and rural development. Implementation of the new roadmap is expected to roll out in phases over coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Renowned Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye has disclosed that the original production of his influential movie, Agbara Nla, collapsed in Osun State in 1987 after the cameraman vanished with all the recorded tapes shortly after filming concluded. Bamiloye made this revelation on Friday via a post on his verified X account, just as anticipation grows for the upcoming cinema debut of Agbara Nla: The Return.
According to Bamiloye, after completing the initial shooting nearly four decades ago, the entire cast and crew were left stranded when the hired cameraman absconded with the only copies of their work. The incident forced him and his Mount Zion Faith Ministries team to abandon their efforts, despite high hopes for what would become one of Nigeria’s most impactful faith-based films.
Agbara Nla later became a household name across Nigeria, credited with inspiring a wave of indigenous Christian filmmaking and outreach. The lost tapes incident, however, delayed its emergence and shaped Bamiloye’s approach to subsequent productions. The filmmaker’s latest account comes as excitement builds for Agbara Nla: The Return, expected to draw significant attention from both older fans and a new generation of viewers.
Bamiloye did not provide further details on how or if the missing tapes were recovered, but he described the experience as a test of perseverance that ultimately strengthened his commitment to gospel drama. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Christian creative sector have hailed his resilience, with many pointing to Agbara Nla as a turning point for local content.
With Agbara Nla: The Return set for cinema screens nationwide, Bamiloye’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges facing early Nigerian filmmakers. Industry observers expect renewed interest in faith-based productions and greater recognition for those who laid the groundwork despite setbacks.
_Agbara Nla: The Return._
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/how-original-agbara-nla-production-collapsed-mike-bamiloye/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Chams HoldCo Appoints New Board Chair in Lagos, Targets Improved Corporate Governance
Company says board restructuring aims to strengthen oversight and drive growth in Nigeria’s technology sector
Company says board restructuring aims to strengthen oversight and drive growth in Nigeria’s technology sector
Chams HoldCo Plc, a major player in Nigeria’s technology and digital solutions sector, has announced the appointment of a new chairperson to lead its board of directors. The decision was made public on Friday in Lagos, as part of a broader effort by the company to enhance corporate governance and accelerate business growth.
According to a statement released by the company, the new appointment forms part of ongoing reforms intended to reposition Chams HoldCo for increased competitiveness within Nigeria’s dynamic technology landscape. The company did not disclose the name of the incoming board chair or provide further details about changes to other board positions as at press time.
Chams HoldCo’s leadership transition comes at a period when Nigerian technology firms are under pressure to demonstrate stronger oversight and adapt quickly to evolving market demands. Analysts say effective corporate governance is key for firms like Chams seeking investor confidence and sustainable expansion in areas such as digital identity management, fintech solutions, and data services.
The company maintained that the restructuring will enable its board to better support executive management in implementing strategic initiatives across various subsidiaries. “This move is part of our commitment to ensuring high standards of accountability and transparency within our operations,” Chams HoldCo said in its official statement.
Industry observers are watching closely for subsequent announcements regarding the composition of Chams HoldCo’s board and next steps for its business strategy. The company is expected to hold an annual general meeting later this year, where shareholders may receive more details on the direction of its leadership and future plans.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos PTML Customs, Port Police Strengthen Maritime Security Collaboration
Agencies pledge tighter port security, focus on anti-smuggling and intelligence sharing in fresh joint effort
Agencies pledge tighter port security, focus on anti-smuggling and intelligence sharing in fresh joint effort
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ports Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command, and the Ports Authority Police Western Command have intensified their partnership to improve maritime security in Lagos, following a high-level meeting held on Thursday. The courtesy visit, led by Customs Area Controller Nura Miko and his management team to the Police Western Command headquarters, aimed at reinforcing joint strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s busiest commercial port corridor.
During the meeting, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a secure and efficient trade environment at the port. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as port security operations, intelligence sharing between officers, cargo protection protocols, anti-smuggling initiatives, and preventive measures against maritime-related crimes.
Maritime insecurity remains a major concern for stakeholders in Lagos and across Nigeria’s coastal region. The collaboration comes amid persistent threats including smuggling activities, unauthorised cargo movement, and the need to maintain public trust in the nation’s import-export processes. Improved coordination between customs and police is seen as vital to reducing illicit trade and supporting legitimate economic activity at the PTML terminal.
In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer Isaac Hundeyin after the event, both sides agreed to deepen operational links and share actionable intelligence on suspicious movements within the port area. “Our agencies are committed to ensuring that the port remains safe for business,” Hundeyin said. Customs Area Controller Nura Miko also noted that the ongoing cooperation would help close operational gaps exploited by criminal elements.
The agencies announced plans to expand joint patrols and conduct periodic reviews of security protocols at PTML. Stakeholders are expected to monitor the impact of this renewed collaboration on cargo throughput and overall trade efficiency in Lagos ports over the coming months.
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
Chams HoldCo Appoints New Board Chair in Lagos, Targets Improved Corporate Governance
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